Calnetix Technologies Celebrates 15 Years of Operations

July 23, 2013

Cerritos, Calif. – July 23, 2013 – Calnetix Technologies, a pioneer in developing and manufacturing high-speed permanent magnet motor generators, power electronics and magnetic bearings for a variety of applications and industries, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The venture that began in 1998 now employs more than 100 people and expects to double that number in the next few years.

The small team of founders took a leap of faith in launching the company, leaving fairly comfortable senior level jobs and enticed early investors to support the start-up. Calnetix’s goal was singular; disrupt the status quo and improve the performance of equipment in specific, challenging industrial environments.

“Our intent in forming Calnetix 15 years ago was to incorporate our technologies into industrial systems by partnering with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Coming from the aerospace industry, we used our knowledge of technologies commonly used in aerospace to get started,” said Vatche Artinian, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Calnetix Technologies. “Through initial project successes, we uncovered opportunities across many industries, such as automotive, maritime and HVAC and have become the global leader in our core technologies.”

“We spend a considerable amount of money each year on research and development, and that’s reflected in our strong competitive edge that attracts our OEM customers, as well as in the large patent portfolio we now hold,” said Pat McMullen, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Calnetix. “Additionally, we’ve created subsidiary companies, such as Vycon and Access Energy, to accelerate our development of high-speed solutions for specific markets through dedicated teams and resources.”

Assisting OEMs with system integration was key to ensuring faster and more efficient product development and rollout for Calnetix, its subsidiaries and its partners.

“In the beginning, we offered stand-alone products for others to incorporate. With the strategic shift a short time later, we provided a much easier implementation process to OEMs,” said Herman Artinian, Vice President of Business Development for Calnetix. “The formation of Vycon is a prime example. It allowed us to create a highly efficient, flywheel-based UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) subsystem with more advanced features. We worked with OEMs, such as Emerson, Schneider and Eaton, to incorporate these subsystems into their complete UPS offerings for rapid deployment.”

Access Energy, another subsidiary created to accelerate product development, allowed Calnetix to create an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) module with higher efficiency turbomachinery and controls to capture the waste heat created by industry and convert it back into usable energy economically. OEMs like General Electric adopted the ORC module for use with their systems, such as GE’s Jenbacher engines.

While not on the radar screen a decade ago, energy efficiency is now a major strategic initiative for many industries. It’s in this light that Calnetix sees great opportunities.

“We’re really in the business of serving the OEMs in this area,” said Herman Artinian. “Historically, industrial systems have used a great deal of carbon-based fuels. Our job is to play a critical role in converting them into more efficient, reliable and productive machines.”

Equally as important to Calnetix’ technology suite is its people, many of whom have been with the company for more than five years, and thrive on the challenge to solve the most difficult issues industries have to offer.

“It’s important to maintain this culture as we grow in order to carry on that innovation and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Vatche Artinian. “We have people that push themselves very hard, but are rewarded for their initiative. It’s how we uncovered opportunities to incorporate our high-speed permanent magnetic machines, power electronics and bearing systems into applications that weren’t on the drawing board in the beginning. There are a vast amount of opportunities yet to exploit, and we’re looking forward to the next 15 years!”

About Calnetix Technologies

Calnetix Technologies, LLC (“Calnetix”), headquartered in Cerritos, CA, is focused on Innovation That Drives Industries™. The company specializes in high-performance, high-speed motor generators and best-in-class advanced magnetic bearings and control systems. Calnetix’s patented, underlying technologies, which have been in use since the company’s inception in 1998, have made Calnetix a world leader in the design and production of high-speed machines. The company’s overall technology portfolio and system integration capabilities have led to development and production contracts with industry leaders and the start of many successful subsidiaries that focus on unique niche markets. For more information, please visit www.calnetix.com.